On 10-11 May 2022, the WCO Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme held a virtual workshop on Internal Affairs in cooperation with Palestine Customs. Participants were senior officials having direct or indirect responsibilities regarding the internal affairs function, and in a capacity to impact or foster organizational change. The aim of the workshop was to build capacity to Palestine Customs’ efforts to reinforce their internal affairs function to combat corruption and promote integrity. The event was facilitated by experts from Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Over the course of the two virtual sessions, the experts shared best practices drawn from their respective internal affairs model.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants have identified the following takeaways: leverage the high level of dedication of the staff toward the Palestine Customs’ institution; develop internal affairs related standard operating procedures to ensure efficiency, predictability and quality assurance; and ensure that the promotion of integrity is embedded into in each human resources related activity (recruitment, training, performance management). 

In their introductory remarks, Palestine Customs’ representatives highlighted the importance of carrying out their daily work under the A-CIP Programme and reiterated their commitment to leverage all the 10 key factors of the Revised Arusha Declaration. They also emphasized the importance of the cooperation with partners and stakeholders as the promotion of integrity is the responsibility of all. Finally, the participants were reminded that the promotion of integrity is an ongoing process that does not happen overnight.

For more information, please, contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.